Green Bay Packers’ Ideal Scheme Fit Could Be Perfect Jaire Alexander Replacement

Few positions matter more in Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s scheme than cornerback, which is a position group that remains in a state of flux ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Given that All-Pro Jaire Alexander could be traded at any moment, and that even after signing Nate Hobbs in free agency the Packers could still look to add a cornerback at the top of this year’s NFL Draft.

Fortunately for Green Bay, this is a fairly strong draft class at the position, so even if the Packers go a different direction–perhaps an edge rusher or a dynamic wide receiver to help boost ascending quarterback Jordan Love, there could be a quality cornerback to be had later on.

Day 2 Cornerback Prospect Could be Perfect Green Bay Packers NFL Draft Pick

Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron put together a list of each team’s ideal Day 2 fits, including linking the Packers to Iowa State cornerback Darien Porter.

“While Jaire Alexander is a supremely talented cornerback,” Cameron writes for PFF. “His inability to stay on the field — and potential trade — has put the Packers‘ defense in a tough spot. Porter, a former receiver with an elite track background and massive length, projects as a high-upside developmental option with the raw traits to develop into a starter. His 91.1 PFF grade in zone coverage profiles well for Green Bay’s zone-heavy defense.”

Porter might be an ideal schematic fit for how Hafley deploys his corners.

Last season, the 6-foot-4 and 200-pound Porter thrives in zone coverage but also posted a 90.1 coverage grade while forcing four incompletions and pulling down three interceptions. If the Packers pass on taking a cornerback in the first round, Porter could wind up being an immediate starter in the secondary alongside Hobbs, whether Alexander is in Green Bay or not.